HATS OFF? The when, where, and why.

Cowboy Hat Etiquette

 by J.B. Blocker

  After a long talk with Sheriff Tom Maddox of Sabine County, Texas and several other Texas Sheriffs we felt that the etiquette concerning the the Cowboy's hat needed to be clarified. Tom's grandpa gave him his first boots and hat at age 3, and he's been wearing them ever since! Thanks for additional input from Sheriffs Bob Holder of Comal County, Dan Law of Caldwell County, Don Sowell of Grimes County, Randy Brown of Medina County, and Keith Gary and the boys of Grayson County.

Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary and his staff

  The rules aren’t complicated. Heck, I’d just suggest the use of common sense. Of course, there are plenty of folks lacking in that area. They need some guidance. 

  Here are some traditional rules for wearing a cowboy hat.

LONE STAR SHERIFFS

 

A Herd of Sheriffs

 I mentioned going to the Sheriffs Association of Texas Annual Convention to a great friend and well traveled businessman in New York City. Doug's response was, "When people think of sheriffs, no matter where they come from, they think of cowboy hats and boots, sidearms, and a badge with a Star. They think of Texas!"
by J.B.Blocker

ESTILO GAUCHO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE in FRISCO

Come Hungry
 The League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers invaded Estilo Gaucho for lunch. I chose meat eaters for this round. Many thanks to Collin County D.A. Greg Willis, Frisco Mayor Maher Maso, and Frisco Chamber President Tony Felker for their company and for these entertaining reviews.

Greg Willis, Maher Maso, and Tony Felker

I have officially named one of the back corner tables,' J.B.'s Table'! As you enter the dining area, it is to the right. I chose it because it provides of great view of the comings and goings of the restaurant and easy access to the 40+ item salad and antipasto bar, while being a little remote from the traffic. For a little extra dining privacy, you can reserve that table prepared for 4 to 7 guest. 
This is where I have entertained many guest. None are more locally popular than this sessions League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers.     
Call 214-618-6150. If you ask for David or Alex, my new favorite dinning beverage is yours too. The Passion fruit based drink is a great palate teaser for the many taste you are about to experience!

Courtesy and grace are hallmarks of great hospitality. You shouldn't miss the chance to meet co-owners and brothers-in-law David Jeiel and Alex Nunez. They want to meet you too!

Go Greek in Frisco!

Go Greek at Platia Greek in Frisco

  This League of Extra-Ordinary Reviewers features two of my regular favorites Mayor Maher Maso and Attorney Terri Green. Ann Lieber is a candidate for Collin County Commissioner, Cami Dean is running for the 3rd U.S. Congressional District, and Sally, Rhea, and George Manos who treat me like family.

Congressman Ralph Hall waste no time in responding to State of the Union!!!

REP. HALL RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT’S “STATE OF THE UNION” ADDRESS

  I got home last night and had already received an e-mail from Ralph Halls press secretary. We communicate often. 

  Within 2 hours of the presidents State of the Union Address, the great man had responded with sound reasoning.     

  This is another reason why I respect Mr. Hall and his staff so much. It is a guide to great leadership in Congress to speak out and stay connected to his district and the nation! jb

WASHINGTON, DC . . . Following the President's State of the Union address, Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) released the following statement:

JUDGE VICTOR RIVERA, Experience At Every Level!

Written by Bob Weir

Wednesday, 04 December 2013 23:35

When you choose someone for a position of authority, it’s important to consider how much experience he/she has in the particular field of endeavor. The well-rounded person is more likely to be knowledgeable and capable when performing the duties of a job that requires a background in the given field. Victor Rivera became a Fort Worth police officer in 1999 and patrolled the streets for a year before being promoted to a special unit known as the Crime Response Team. The job of the CRT was to saturate the high crime areas of the city, identify criminal suspects and collect evidence in order to make arrests and obtain convictions. During this time, Officer Rivera worked undercover to infiltrate gangs that were involved in everything from homicide to burglary and sexual assault. In addition, he worked with the DEA and the FBI, handling search warrants that resulted in major drug busts.  After a few years, Rivera was assigned as a Field Training Officer working with the Intelligence Division. His former experience with Military Intelligence in the US Army became a valuable asset in his police work. All of the above helped him to learn about the law from the ground up. Therefore, while working full-time as a police officer, Rivera attained his Bachelor of Arts and Applied Sciences degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Midwestern State University. Shortly after graduation, he left the police department to attend Texas Tech University, where he simultaneously attained a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2007. In his third year of law school, he was selected as one of only eight students licensed to practice early and he was responsible for defending indigent individuals charged with crimes. In 2006, while in law school, he met and married his wife Clair. After Mr. and Mrs. Rivera earned their respective law degrees, Victor says they were led by God to begin a practice in Amarillo. Told by doctors that they were unable to have their own biological children, they decided to adopt. However, as fate would have it, soon after preparation for adoption was made, Mrs. Rivera discovered she was pregnant. In 2008, they became the proud parents of a boy and a girl, whom they affectionately refer to as the “Wonder twins” because they were born four months apart. That same year, the Rivera family returned to the DFW area, where Victor began practicing Family Law and serving Denton County as a court-appointed Criminal Defense attorney. In that role, he used his foreign language skills (in addition to English and Spanish, he also speaks Korean, a language he learned in the Army) to serve those in need of a Spanish-speaking attorney, since few exist in the county. Currently living in Flower Mound, Rivera was appointed in 2010 to the position of Municipal Judge for the Town. He presides over Class C misdemeanor crimes, property disputes, juvenile cases and other local issues. Judge Rivera is running for Criminal Court Judge #5 in the March 4, 2014 primary. Among his other credits, he is board certified in Family Law. Moreover, he and his wife Clair own the Rivera Legal Group, PLLC in Flower Mound. Judge Rivera is also one of the Directors of the Denton County Bar Association and is the former two-year President of the Denton County Family Law Section. During a recent visit to my home, Judge Rivera stressed the importance of his role as a Christ-follower and his regular attendance at Valley Creek Church service in Flower Mound. As a devout Christian, he believes he was called to service as a judge because of his unique ability to deal with people in a variety of situations.    “As a police officer I have seen things from every level of human interaction. I know the mechanics of what transpires during the commission of crimes. My experience gives me the edge to know what’s required for judging those who violate the law. If you were afforded some leniency the first time, but did not learn a lesson from the experience, it’s evident that you are not taking the grace and mercy I provided you with,” he said. “Anyone can make a mistake,” he added, “but, if the public is to be protected, those who continue to commit crimes must be dealt with in the severest of terms.” As a Judge of the Criminal Court, Rivera would be handling A and B misdemeanor crimes, in addition to other less-than-felony offenses. During his time as a Municipal Court Judge, he hasn’t had any appeals or complaints about his service. Perhaps that’s because he knows the law from all sides of the justice system.   Bob Weir is a long-time Flower Mound resident and former local newspaper editor. In addition, Bob has 7 published books that include “Murder in Black and White,” “City to Die For,” “Powers that Be,” “Ruthie’s Kids,” “Deadly to Love,” “Short Stories of Life and Death” and “Out of Sight," all of which can be found on Amazon.com and other major online bookstores.

 

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

JOURNALISTIC INCOMPETENCE?

TIME FOR THE TRUTH

By J.B. Blocker

Journalistic Incompetence

   I received a phone call from a friend and respected journalist Karen Brown. She had read a story in the Dallas Morning News about animal cruelty at Storybook Ranch in McKinney. Knowing that I am an avid horse lover living in McKinney she commented that the story smelled of one-sided reporting.

  When I read the article, I was appalled at the total lack of investigation and yes, her instincts were right! It didn’t smell one-sided. It stunk of bias or incompetence.

  Here is the link if you want to read it first. Then, I am going to tear it up for the hogwash that it is! http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/best-southwest/headlines/20131130-animal-cruelty-inquiry-may-figure-in-dallas-review-of-texas-horse-park-deal.ece

What gives me the right?

  You see, I happen to ride at Storybook and it has been my equestrian home for over 5 years. I am often there several times a week. I have taken my grandchildren there since they were located at Frisco Horse Park.

Lila at Horse Camp

 

My now 10 year old Lila walks among the many horses fearlessly and I have taught her horsemanship since she was 5. She has attended summer horse camps there and spends nearly every weekend with her Popeye (that’s me!). 

Lila on one of my favorites, Santana

Some of that is because she is just like me. She always wants to be around the horses. She loves to feed, groom, and she is learning to work the round pen. Lila roams the properties like she owns the place!

  During this period I have become close friends with owner Wayne Kirk, the General Manager Vanessa Fry, the ranch manager Howard Rust, and all the management staff throughout the years. I would safely call myself a fixture.

  After their cautious and careful vetting at the beginning, Vanessa and Wayne gained confidence in my responsible capabilities and I quickly earned their trust and even the code to the gate locks! The first time I met her, I told Vanessa (who is an incurable animal advocate) that I was so tuned to nature that butterflies land on me and wild birds eat out of my hands. The next time I showed up and shared some BBQ on a picnic table, Vanessa was slightly shocked and pleased to see that a butterfly had landed on my sleeve! “I told you so!”

  That’s not surprising since I grew up in Sunray, an agricultural community in the panhandle of Texas. I had a tractor driving license before my TDL. My first time card job was during the summer of my Jr. Year as a hand at the Sunray Feed Yard. I am so tuned to animals that I often surprise people when their dogs, cats, and even horses seek me out.

Would I lie to you?